An ever-present since the very first Classic Dirt Bike Telford show, the legend that is Sammy Miller MBE once again heads to the International Centre for Shropshire’s off-road spectacular.
But this time, as well as appearing on stage to tell tales of his 1969 sporting year in connection with the show’s ‘50 years ago’ theme, Sam brings two equally legendary speed machines from his vast museum collection.
The first is the 1969 350cc factory Jawa, which for Telford will be stripped of its fairing to reveal the intricate engine and frame design that the Czech factory built to challenge Agostini and the mighty MV Agusta. Running 16-to-1 compression, this water-cooled, rotary valved V-twin was a feat of superlative engineering construction equally comparable to the Guzzi V8 and the 297 Honda six.
By 1969 the bike was fully developed and highly competitive in the hands of the diminutive Bill Ivy. Tragically, in practice for the East German GP at Sachsenring, Bill was touring back to the paddock when the Jawa inexplicably seized, throwing him from his machine – resulting in fatal injuries.
In contrast Sam also brings the 1930 1000cc Excelsior Super Comet V-twin Jap on which Joe Wright broke the world speed record on the Tat autobahn in Hungary at 163mph. That’s nearly 90 years ago! A feat that puts speed records achieved since to shame.
Catch Sammy on stage on Saturday!
